Herschelle Gibbs’s unbeaten 43 helped the Deccan Chargers to a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders at Newlands.

There was to be no repeat of last year’s opening day fireworks for the Knight Riders as the Chargers bowling attack restricted them to just 101 this time around.

Fidel Edwards whipped them in at around the 140 mark and conceded just six runs from his spell, while RP Singh was the chief destroyer for the Chargers removing Kolkata’s dangerous opening pair before finishing off the tail.

Australian Brad Hodge was the only shining light for the Knight Riders as his 31 helped them limp towards three figures.

In the end the chargers made light work of the modest target getting there with more than 6 overs to spare thanks to 68-run partnership between Gibbs and Rohit Sharma.